Prevalence of Systemic Aterial Hypertension in physically active and inactive university professor

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of Systemic Arterial Hypertension in physically active and inactive professors at a university in the South of Santa Catarina. Methods: 56 professors of undergraduate courses at the Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC) working in the first semester of 2022 were analyzed. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire prepared by the researchers, in which some of the variables surveyed were the presence of Systemic Arterial Hypertension, areas of activity at the university, exercise practice and presence of comorbidities. An evaluation was also carried out using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), which analyzed questions related to the frequency and duration of physical activity in the context of leisure, work, and household chores. Results: 17 professors had Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH), of which 94.1% were male, 64.7% were ≥49 years old and 41.2% had other associated comorbidities. 37 hypertensive participants were overweight or obese. Regarding the educational level of work and the prevalence of SAH, 33.3% were in the health area. The regular practice of physical exercise was found in 11 individuals with hypertensive disease, of these, 3 were considered physically active and 23.5% started the practice after diagnosis. The main modality practiced was aerobic exercise. Final considerations: The study showed a higher prevalence of Systemic Arterial Hypertension in physically inactive individuals. A correlation was also found in the development of the pathology with male gender, advanced age, low education and family history of cardiovascular disease.